Val Verde County approves multi‑million dollar airport lighting project after state grant boosts funding

Val Verde County Commissioners approved proceeding with a major lighting and infrastructure project at Laughlin airfield after staff reported the county had secured a roughly $5 million state grant that increases total airport grant funding to about $19–19.5 million.

County speakers said the new grant, when combined with prior awards, raises the county’s airport‑project funding to nearly $20 million and that the county will front initial work and paperwork to expedite the project. The Judge and commissioners said the base or Laughlin Air Force Base is contributing additional funds to cover shared costs as the project advances.

Officials described the grant process as complex and noted the county often manages grant procurement and early spending to put the project on state timetables. Commissioners voted to accept the grant and move ahead with project agreements and related approvals.

Why this matters: The lighting upgrades are intended to improve airfield safety and capacity at Laughlin, support base operations and attract investment; the influx of grant funding is a substantial capital development for the county.

Next steps: County staff will proceed with grant agreements and procurement steps; commissioners approved related motions to accept grant funds and advance the project.